Before joining the Facebook-owned Instagram, White served as Facebook’s Director of Mobile Partnerships.

“It happened really quickly, but to have an actual COO role in one of many companies that is disrupting the communications arena is one I could not pass up. I have always been captivated by the creativity that has gone into the product – and I think that [CEO Evan Spiegel] has been looking for someone who can help him grow and scale what is already something that has changed a lot of the way people think about the mobile experience,” said White.

As All Things D points out, this move signifies that Snapchat is serious about staying independent and working on ratcheting up their business. Last month, reports emerged that Facebook had tried to buy Snapchat for $3 billion, and were turned down. It’s clear that the company has put a high value on both its independence and worth.